Ireland squad trimmed to 14 for World Cup pre-qualifiers

Homes ties against Azerbaijan and Kosovo this week will be televised live on TG4

Neptune's Roy Downey. Pic: Larry Cummins

IRELAND head coach Mark Keenan has trimmed his squad to 14 for this week's FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Pre-Qualifiers against Azerbaijan on Thursday and Kosovo on Sunday in Dublin. 

Both games at the National Arena are 5pm tip-offs and will be live on TG4.

Taiwo Badmus misses out after picking up an injury while playing for his club Valur Reykjavik in Iceland, while James Hannigan remains in contention for a competitive debut. Neptune’s Roy Downey will also stay with the squad as he seeks to earn a first appearance for Ireland since 2022.

Warned Keenan: Azerbaijan are a really top quality side and beat Kosovo at home last time out, so we are expecting two tough games, but just really looking forward to getting the squad together, getting to work and seeing what we can achieve."

Ireland currently sit in 4th place in Group A of World Cup 2027 pre-qualifying following an 83-76 defeat against Kosovo and an 86-63 loss to Switzerland in their opening two games of the campaign last February. The group winner will advance to the second round of qualifying alongside the best ranked second placed team from three groups.

Ireland squad: Adrian O’Sullivan (Ballincollig), Conor Quinn (Belfast Star), David Lehane (UCC Demons), James Gormley (Griffith College Eanna), James Hannigan (UCC Demons), John Carroll (EJ Sligo All-Stars), Jordan Blount (KCYMS Killorglin), Matt Treacy (Ibersol C.B Tarragona, Spain), Neal Quinn (Aix Maurienne Savoie Basket, France), Nosayaba Aidan Igiehon, (Joels Dublin Lions), Paul Dick (Killester), Rapolas Buivydas (Tralee), Roy Downey (Neptune), Seán Flood (London Lions).